The pre-operation inspection (2024)

The importance to you is to:

  1. Reduce the risk of injury to you due to defective equipment.
  2. Verify that the equipment you will operate is in safe working order.

Federal OSHA requires that all lift trucks be examined before being placed in service and that this examination be performed at least daily. If you use your truck on a multi-shift operation, it must be examined before each shift. Any defects found must be immediately reported and corrected.

About 6% of all lift truck accidents are due to improperly maintained trucks.

Aside from being an OSHA requirement, a pre-operational inspection:

  • Reduces the risk of injury to you and other employees.
  • Improves the condition of the lift truck.
  • Increase productivity.
  • Reduces downtime and maintenance costs.

Use a checklist when performing the pre-operational inspection. A checklist may include the following cautions and checkpoints:

CAUTION: When checking lift chain tension, use a board or a stick. Never place your fingers in this dangerous pinch point area.

CAUTION: When checking hydraulic hoses, use a piece of cardboard. Escaping fluids under pressure can penetrate body tissue causing serious injury or possibly death. If fluid is injected in your skin, seek medical attention immediately.

CAUTION: When checking LP tanks and fittings, always use personal protective equipment such as a face shield, long sleeves and gauntlet gloves when checking LP tanks and fittings. LP is very cold when released and can cause frostbite.

CAUTION: When checking LP tanks and fittings for leaks, use soap solution, no matches or lighter.

CAUTION: When checking battery levels, never use matches or a lighter – hydrogen gas may be present, resulting in an explosion or fire. Always use personal protective equipment such as a face shield and goggles, rubber apron and rubber gloves when checking electrolyte. This is an acid and will cause severe burns to the skin if in contact.

The Visual Inspection

__ Overall condition
__ Frame
__ Tires and wheels
__ Forks
__ Mast, carriage and load backrest extension
__ Lift chains
__ Hydraulic hoses
__ Overhead guard
__ Battery
__ Cables and connectors
__ Battery restraints
__ Electrolyte level
__ Hood latch
__ Capacity plate and all warning decals
__ Operator’s compartment

Internal Combustion Trucks

__ Engine compartment
__ Engine oil
__ Brake reservoir
__ Engine coolant
__ Air filter
__ Belts and hoses
__ Radiator
__ Hood latch

LP Trucks

__ Properly mounted tank
__ Pressure relief valve pointing up
__ Hose and connections
__ Tank restraint brackets
__ Leaks
__ Tank for dents, nicks, cracks
__ Tank fits within profile of truck

Electric Trucks

__ Cables and connectors for frayed, exposed wires
__ Battery restraints in place
__ Electrolyte levels
__ Hood latches properly

The Operational Inspection

__ Operator restraint system
__ Horn
__ Warning devices
__ Unusual engine noise
__ Fuel level
__ Displays and gauges
__ Hydraulics:
__ Mast
__ Tilt
__ Other hydraulic functions
__ Service and park brake
__ Steering
__ Plugging on electric lift trucks

Completion of Inspection

• Report any defects immediately.
• Never operate a truck in need of repair.
• Repairs shall be made by authorized and trained personnel.

The pre-operation inspection (2024)

FAQs

What is included in the pre-operation inspection? ›

During a pre-operation inspection, operators go through a detailed checklist to ensure that every aspect of the equipment is functioning properly. They inspect the hydraulics, electrical systems, brakes, tires, and other critical components.

Why is pre-operation inspection important? ›

An added benefit of pre-operation inspections is that the information can help to inform regular, preventative maintenance. Early identification and repair of unexpected problems is critical to reducing downtime and improving residual value of the equipment.

What is the pre use inspection procedure? ›

Pre-use inspections are conducted before every use. A pre-use and/or preventative maintenance inspection checklist specific to the tool, vehicle, machine, or equipment is used. Items of deficiency are identified and documented in the corrective action report following the inspection checklist.

Which of the following should you check during a pre-operational inspection? ›

Before starting your vehicle, conduct a pre-operation (or pre-start) inspection that checks a variety of items, including but not limited to: Fluid levels -- oil, water, and hydraulic fluid. Leaks, cracks or any other visible defect including hydraulic hoses and mast chains.

What is the inspection checklist? ›

An inspection checklist (sometimes called an inspection sheet) is a list of all activities that must be performed during inspection to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, or maintenance requirements.

What is operation inspection? ›

Operational inspection is a combination of multiple methods for reviewing and testing equipment, safety systems, structures, oil and fluid analyses, all adjusted to the equipment package.

What are the four reasons that make inspection important in production? ›

Quality Control (QC) is critical to build and deliver products that meet or exceed customers' expectations.
  • Why Quality Control Inspections Are Important. ...
  • Reason 1: To Ensure Product Quality. ...
  • Reason 2: To Reduce Costs. ...
  • Reason 3: To Improve Efficiency. ...
  • Reason 4: To Protect the Brand. ...
  • Reason 5: To Comply with Regulations.
Aug 25, 2023

Why is in process inspection important? ›

These inspections verify that the manufacturing process aligns with the established guidelines, ensuring that the final products meet the necessary safety and quality standards.

What is the reason for having a pre and post inspection checklist? ›

A Post-Trip Inspection Ensures That Your Mechanics Have Time to Repair Damaged Vehicles. A pre-trip inspection prevents you from rolling out with a vehicle that suffered damage that no one noticed. A post-trip inspection, on the other hand, can prevent costly delays and make it easier to move your trucks out on time.

What does pre inspected mean? ›

The “pre” part usually means before there's an offer or contract on the house. A seller may consider hiring a home inspector before putting a place on the market, and buyers might get a pre-inspection before they make an offer.

What are the stages of inspection process? ›

Hughes as she guides her organization through the four stages of the inspection process: pre-inspection, inspection, post-inspection, and follow- up. By the end of this short, you will be able to identify and plan items to consider before, during, and after the inspection.

What are the four phases of inspection? ›

The Inspection Process is divided into four phases: Sensitization, Pre-Inspection, Inspection and Quality Assurance.

What are the main points of the operational inspection key on? ›

KEY ON Procedures
  • Check the gauges. Hour meter. Battery discharge indicator.
  • Test the standard equipment. Steering. Brakes. Front, tail, and brake lights. Horn. Safety seat (if equipped)
  • Check the operation of load-handling attachments.

Why is it important to perform pre operational checks before using tools or equipment? ›

In order to ensure that your machine is operating safely and efficiently, a proper pre-operational check is important. The pre-operational check covers a number of key components of the machine and helps to identify maintenance issues and repairs that may be required.

What are the 5 items on a forklift inspection? ›

Checkpoints should include seat belts, tires, lights, horn, brakes, backup alarms and fluid levels, as well as the moving and load-supporting parts of the forklift.

Which of the following actions would you complete as part of pre operation inspection of an internal combustion engine forklift? ›

As part of the pre-operation inspection, check all fluid levels, including oil, water, and hydraulic. Check for leaks from the hydraulic cylinder, the battery, and the fuel system. Check the exhaust color for incomplete combustion.

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